Life Legacy
ORTIZ
Manuel Ortiz, Jr., age 87, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.
A life-long resident of San Antonio, he served his country during WWII as a staff sergeant in the US Army Air Forces in the China-India-Burma theatre. He served his community for 28 years in the San Antonio Police Department, including many years as a narcotics detective combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
Coordinating with Federal agencies, Detective Ortiz was responsible for one of the largest drug busts in Bexar County. Upon retirement from the SAPD he became the Director of Security for all Joskes Department Stores.
He later served as Chief Investigator for District Attorney Fred Rodriguez. Additionally, he owned a small business and served on the Board of Directors of the Bexar Appraisal District.
He believed strongly in the importance of family; service to the community; and, respecting the fundamental human dignity of all people.
He instilled in his children and grandchildren the values of hard work and dedication to education. In his life, he had a unique, powerful, positive, and lasting effect on countless people, many of whom considered him a second father, mentor, or role-model.
Above all, he was a devout Catholic and active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
In 1974, he served as El Rey Feo. He was a life member of VFW Post 9186, a member of the American Legion, and the San Antonio Police Officers Association.
He was also a long-time member of the Alzafar Shrine, the Scottish Rite, and the Grand Lodge of Texas. Finally, he was a long-time, regular benefactor of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Ortiz and Hortencia Dolly Salas Ortiz.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irene Ortiz; daughter, former San Antonio Municipal Court Presiding Judge Stella Ortiz Kyle; son, Manuel Manny Ortiz and wife Sheri; four grandchildren, Christopher Kyle of Washington, DC; Joshua Kyle and wife Diane of Boston, MA; Scott Ortiz and wife Rachael of Rockwall, TX; Patrice Ortiz of London, England; three great-grandchildren, Jax, Maleah, and Austen Ortiz; sister, Emma Villarreal; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will begin Friday, April 29, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the Porter Loring Chapel with a Rosary to be resided at 7:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Msgr. Lawrence Walsh officiating.
The graveside service will be held Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 9:45 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.
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Born: March 16, 1924
Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas
Death: April 27, 2011
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This memorial provided by:
Porter Loring Mortuary
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